Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly in the running to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the upcoming season.

The England international was expected to sign for Manchester United during the most recent transfer window, but the Red Devils and Everton couldn’t come to an agreement on his terms. They submitted many transfer offers for the highly sought-after centre defender, but none of them came close to meeting the asking price of £70 million.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool is ready to take the lead in the hunt for the 22-year-old and is willing to make a higher offer than Everton is seeking for the centre defender. The Merseyside giants are also willing to pursue a transfer as early as January rather than waiting until the summer of next year.
Outstanding ability
The Reds’ usual centre backs are Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, while their backup options are Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez. Gomez was a heavy favourite to leave the massive Anfield club in the summer, and he may still go in the upcoming transfer window in quest of playing time.

Gomez’s departure would give Liverpool the opportunity to invest heavily in Branthwaite, who may end up replacing van Dijk in the future. Although Branthwaite can play both left and right centre back, his comfort zone is on the left side of that position. Van Dijk has made his name for himself there.

The Dutchman’s contract with Liverpool is about to expire, and as of right now, there has been no movement towards extending it. The 33-year-old is someone the Reds will want to hang onto, and the next few months may prove to be crucial in determining whether the team can successfully negotiate a contract renewal with the Netherlands international.

In either scenario, the Reds would be wise to sign Branthwaite. He has a commanding presence and good physical attributes. Jamie Carragher has called the defender “pretty special.” He is not afraid to make tackles and is adept at clearing his lines. The more experience and age he gains, the better.